The ancient structure that served as the center of religious life in ancient Greece was the Parthenon, located on the Acropolis of Athens. Built in the 5th century BCE, this iconic temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the city-state regarded as its patron. The Parthenon symbolized the power and cultural sophistication of Athens, particularly during its Golden Age. It housed an enormous statue of Athena Parthenos, made of gold and ivory. Beyond its religious significance, the Parthenon has also been a celebrated architectural marvel, representing the ideals of classical Greek art and democracy.